Tab Renewal
can i renew my tabs online? are there any extra fees for renewing my tabs online? can i use ballard licensing if my address in NOT in king county? are the fees any different if i renew online or in person? what information do i need to have? can someone else renew my tabs for me?

Emissions Testing
what is an emissions test? how do i know if i need to get an emissions test? how much does an emissions test cost? where do i go to get an emissions test? what happens after i get an emissions test?

General
can ballard licensing issue and renew drivers licenses?

Ballard Licensing

What is a sub agent?
The Washington State Department of Licensing defines a sub agent as, "A private person(s) who contracts with the county to provide licensing services on behalf of the state."

Why should I pay a "service charge"?
The nominal service charge ensures that your transaction will be processed quickly.

How can I pay?
You may pay with a credit card if you renew online. At our location, Ballard Licensing accepts cash and checks. A cash machine is available for your convenience.

Where are you located?
Ballard Licensing is located at 2232 NW Market Street in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle.

What are your hours?
Ballard Licensing is open 6 days a week for your convenience.
m-f: 9am-6pm
sat: 10am-6pm

Tab Renewal

Can I renew my tabs online?
Absolutely! Just remember to: 1. choose mail for delivery as soon as one business day, 2. click King County to select the Ballard Licensing subagency. (Any subagency in the state can renew tabs for vehicles registered at any address in the State of Washington.) 3. Scroll down to Ballard Licensing and click on our name. Then follow the rest of the steps to complete your transaction. Click here to begin!*

Are there any extra fees for renewing my tabs online?
Absolutely not.

Can I use Ballard Licensing if my address is NOT in King County?
Yes! While Ballard Licensing mostly accommodates people with their King County vehicle and vessel licensing needs, we can also renew Washington State license car or boat tabs/tags for ANY address in Washington State.

Are the fees any different if I renew online or in person?
Absolutely not.

What information will I need to have?
Following is a list of the things you will need to have in order to successfully renew your tabs. You may also download Fast Tab Check, our tab renewal checklist so that you can be sure to have everything you need to successfully renew your tabs.

• License plate number
• VIN (vehicle identification number)
• Record of a passing emissions test (if applicable)
• Driver's license # AND the driver's license # of all registered owners.
• Verify that the address on the registration is the correct and current address for the vehicle you are renewing tabs for.
• A credit card to pay for your renewal transaction if you are renewing online or cash/check if you are renewing at our location.

Can someone else renew my tabs for me?
Yes, provided they have all of the necessary information to renew your tabs for you.

Emissions Testing

What is an emissions test?
Motor vehicles are Washington's largest source of air pollution. The Emission Check Program tests factory-installed emission control systems on motor vehicles, and identifies vehicles whose systems are not working properly. This program is estimated to prevent more than 149,000 tons of air pollution in Washington per year!

-washington state department of ecology

How do I know if I need to get an emissions test?
You will be notified when you receive your tab renewal notice. Also, if you go to renew your tabs online with the Washington State Department of Licensing system, it will not let you complete a tab renewal if your vehicle needs an emissions test and you will be notified of such.

How much does an emissions test cost?
$15 by cash, check or credit card.

Where do I go to get an emissions test?
There are many emissions testing stations throughout the State to assist you. Click here to find the location nearest you!

What happens after I get an emissions test?
If your vehicle passes, you will get a sheet showing that your vehicle passed. This information will also be entered into the record for your vehicle. Also, if you go to renew your tabs online with the Washington State Department of Licensing system, it will not let you complete a tab renewal if your vehicle needs an emissions test and you will be notified of such.

If you're coming in person to Ballard Licensing to renew your tabs, bring the sheet you received with you just in case we need it. Your passing vehicle will show on our computer records as well, but it won't hurt to have the slip with you.

If your vehicle does NOT pass an emissions test, you will be required to make repairs as necessary to meet the department of ecology's standards for vehicle emissions.

Move your vehicle into a customer parking space and then go into the station office and speak with the station manager on duty.

Your Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) will show the areas where your vehicle did not pass and will help to identify maintenance and mechanical problems.

After the necessary repairs are made to your vehicle, return to an Emission Inspection Station for a retest. The first retest is free.

There will be a fee charged for all subsequent tests.

for more on emissions testing, visit the washington state department of ecology's website.

General

Can Ballard Licensing issue and renew driver's licenses?
No, we do not issue or renew driver's licenses. Click here for Washington State driver's license information.

*Ballard Licensing uses the washington state department of licensing website for vehicle and vessel tab renewal.